Not Going to the Parks-What would you do?

[Sweedee]

We are camping in October, and have a ONE day park hopper. We are going to be camping for 6 nights. I know there is much to do all over the campground, but wanted to have a variety of ideas to choose from. (We are hoping to have saved enough to do 2 park hoppers. We went twice last year, so we aren't necessarily worried about "getting it all in"). Don't worry about the cost, just tell me! So...what would you do?

 

[nbodyhome]

I like to walk around and look at campers decorations (they really do it up for Halloween and Christmas!) The campfire movie, ride around the boat transporation around the lagoon, walk to the WL, go to see the horses, do the wagon ride, rent a canoe, bring bikes, play tetherball, sit on the beach and watch fireworks, etc.

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

Boat ride....monorail ride....resort hop....catch some sun poolside. Enjoy a cold beverage on the porch of crockets tavern in the rocking chairs. Ahhhhh wish I was there now....

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

If you haven't purchased your hopper I think what I might do instead of a one day hopper is do a single park pass plus a Mickeys Not So Scarey pass. The cost would be about the same as a one day park hopper...with it I'd do the park I'd done the least in recently (for me that'd be Animal Kingdom).

If what you have is a left over hopper then I'd buy the MNSSHP pass.

Beyond that I'd take in everything the entire resort has to offer for free. I'd visit the Magic Kingdom resorts, maybe take in story times where they offered (like at WL). I'd go over to the Boardwalk area in the evening...at busier times there is free entertainment on the Boardwalk. I'd go over to DTD and play with the Legos. I might do the fishing thing altho there is a charge for that (I think). I always ride boats where I can find them. I'd do the evening open house over at Saratoga Springs.

 

[nbodyhome]

I thought about DTD also, wasn't sure if that was something they wanted to think about or not. Ghiardelli is usually giving out free samples. Of course, there is the fireplace at the WL - and the Boardwalk, I think that the Dance Hall is "no cover". I also really enjoy the MNSSHP, I thought that might be an option as well. The Virgin megastore is fun to browse, and I like just spending time looking at the lake in the evening at DTD. They can go to the AKL and see the animals.

There is an endless amount of things to do around WDW.

 

[Sweedee]

Honestly, we are open to anything. We are on a budget, but so far, the only thing budgeted is our camping cost, and groceries. So, I am open to any idea even if it costs money. The only thing so far that has received a favorable impression on everyone is the Fantasia Golf Course.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I've never done this myself, but I've heard that AKL does a number of free tours around the resort. Apparently they post the list for the day outside the main entrance somewhere. I've heard of people doing food tours, animal watching, African art tours, and loads more. It was on a thread on these boards somewhere, I'll see if I can find it.

 

[aynt79]

I second the idea of MNSSHP, esp if you've never been before.

Renting a boat to go explore Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon is nice, we usually rent the big pontoon ones even though there's only two of us. We take a couple of sodas and snacks to enjoy on the water.

HDDR is fun and convienent.

Go for a monorail ride and visit the hotel lounges for a drink one evening, and you can add the WL by boat too if you choose.

What about the different backstage tours they have for the parks? There are a few that don't require you to use an admission day.

Make sure you catch the fireworks and the Electric Water pageant at the beach.

 

[ont/ohana]

I know this may not be up your alley but.. We always look for hidden mickey's and different pressed penny machines. My kids love the pennies!! ( so do I).

My Kids went on the pirate adventure from the Grand Floridian (also runs from Beach club, POR, and CBR). They absolutly loved it
The cost for pirate adventure was aprox $30 each, they got a packed lunch, a pirate booty, a great Mickey pirate hat(at GF) and talked about Cap Ron and Nicole-the bad pirate for some time after.
You need to prebook this- search for this on these threads and in the resort area too. Just call the dinning line to book.
My DH and I had a very wonderful breakfast at GF while they were gone (2h)
Hope this helps!

 

[dblr]

We wanted to do the mini golf but ran out of time I would try that I mean how many mini golg courses are real grass.

 

[SunshineCamper]

Electric water pagent is 9:45 at the Ft. and 9:15ish at WL. The MK fireworks at 9p every night on Bay Lake. Depending on when MK closes the fireworks could be at 10P (I think summer hrs.)
We love to rent a boat from either POL-Riverside or DTD and ride around to OKWest-to see the old treehouses between DTD and POL. They don't allow guest to use the treehouses anymore due to the fact they aren't handicap accessible. The CM use them when working at EPCOT mostly. They told us this when we took the FREE boat ride from POL to DTD one trip.

DTD has the "fountain" I don't know the technical name for the jumping water. My kids when they were little thought DTD and the "fountain" was basically MK. It worked for awhile. If you ahve young ones the train ride and the merry go round at DTD is nice. My favorite is World of Disney-used to go there as a kid when it was Disney Village. We would watch the live nativity at christmas.

Soooo much to do that doesn't cost a whole lot.

 

[kater2u]

dodgeball and bingo are 2 popular activities.